Antigonon leptopusCoral Vine

The Antigonon leptopus, or Coral Vine, is a vigorous tendril climber from Mexico and Central America that smothers a support in heart-shaped leaves and then covers itself in sprays of bright pink flowers through the warm months. Growth of 6 to 12 metres is routine where it has room.

Its tuberous root system carries it through long dry spells, which is why it is one of the few flowering climbers that performs on unirrigated pergolas and boundary fences in hot climates.

Specifications

• Height6 to 12 metres (as a climber)
• Width3 to 5 metres
• Native toMexico and Central America
• FoliageHeart-shaped light green leaves; deciduous in cool or dry seasons
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilAdapts to poor, sandy and rocky soils provided drainage is free
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established from its tuberous roots
• ClimateThrives in tropical, subtropical and hot arid regions

Additional Features

• FlowersTrailing sprays of bright pink or white flowers through the warm months
• UsesIdeal for pergolas, shade structures, fences and boundary screens
• SpacingPlant 2 to 3 metres apart along a support
• Low MaintenanceCut back hard after flowering to keep it inside its allotted space
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and resilient
• Drought TolerancePerforms on minimal irrigation once the root system is established
• Wildlife AttractionFlowers are heavily worked by bees and butterflies

The Coral Vine is the low-input choice where a hot, exposed structure needs to be covered in colour quickly.